Multifiber connector, installation tool and associated methods of validating optical fiber continuity

ABSTRACT

Methods are provided for validating the continuity of one or more optical fibers upon which a fiber optic connector is mounted. Typically, the fiber optic connector is mounted upon an optical field fiber by actuating a cam mechanism to secure the optical field fiber in position relative to an optical fiber stub. If subsequent testing indicates that the continuity of the optical field fiber and the optical fiber stub is unacceptable, the cam mechanism can be deactuated, the optical field fiber can be repositioned and the cam mechanism can be reactuated without having to remove and replace the fiber optic connector. In order to determine if continuity has been established between the optical field fibers and respective optical fiber stubs, a method is also provided that introduces light into at least one of each pair of optical field fibers and optical fiber stubs and that only secures the position of each optical field fiber relative to the respective optical fiber stub once the glow associated with each pair of optical field fibers and optical fiber stubs dissipates, which dissipation indicates the establishment of continuity. An improved multifiber connector and installation tool are also provided to facilitate the establishment and validation of the continuity of optical field fibers and optical fiber stubs in order to reduce the time and cost required to connectorize optical field fibers in the field.

This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/532,772, filed Mar. 22,2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,672, which is a divisional of applicationSer. No. 09/433,299, filed Nov. 3, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,521.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the connectorization ofoptical fibers and, more particularly, to multifiber connectors,installation tools and associated methods for validating optical fibercontinuity during the connectorization process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Although fiber optic connectors can generally be most efficiently andreliably mounted upon the end portions of optical fibers in a factorysetting during the production of fiber optic cable, many fiber opticconnectors must be mounted upon the end portions of optical fibers inthe field. As such, a number of fiber optic connectors have beenspecifically developed to facilitate field installation. Oneadvantageous type of fiber optic connector that is specifically designedto facilitate field installation is the UNICAM® family of fiber opticconnectors provided by Siecor Corporation of Hickory, N.C. While theUNICAM family of fiber optic connectors includes a number of commonfeatures including a common splicing technique, the UNICAM family offiber optic connectors has several different styles of connectorsincluding UNICAM connectors adapted to be mounted upon a single opticfiber and UNICAM connectors adapted to be mounted upon two or moreoptical fibers, such as the MT-RJ UNICAM connector. See, for example,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/108,451 filed Jul. 1, 1998 andassigned to Siecor Corporation, which describes a multifiber connector,such as an MT-RJ UNICAM connector, adapted to be spliced onto the endportions of a plurality of optical fibers. The contents of this patentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

By way of example of an advantageous fiber optic connector designed forfield installation, FIG. 1 depicts an MT-RJ UNICAM® connector 10. Theconnector generally includes a ferrule 12 defining one or more bores forreceiving respective optical fiber stubs. The optical fiber stubs arepreferably sized such that one end of the optic fiber stubs extendsrearwardly beyond the ferrule. The MT-RJ UNICAM® connector also includessplice components, at least one of which defines a groove for receivingan end portion of each optical field fiber upon which the fiber opticconnector is to be mounted. In order to mount the fiber optic connectorupon optical field fibers, the splice components are positionedproximate the rear end of the ferrule, such that the end portions of theoptical fibers stubs that extend rearwardly beyond the ferrule aredisposed within the respective grooves defined by the splice components.Thereafter, end portions of the optical field fibers can also beinserted into the respective grooves defined by the splice components.By inserting the optical field fibers into the grooves defined by thesplice components until respective end portions of the optical fiberstubs and the optical field fibers make contact, optical connections canbe established between respective pairs of the optical fiber stubs andthe optical field fibers. In this regard, the contact between the endportions of the optical fiber stubs and the optical field fibersestablishes optical continuity between respective pairs of the opticalfiber stubs and the optical field fibers. The splice components can thenbe actuated, such as by means of a cam member 20, in order to force thesplice components together and to secure the end portions of the opticalfiber stubs and the optical field fiber in position within therespective grooves defined by the splice components.

In order to facilitate the connectorization of optical fibers in thefield, installation tools have also been developed. For example, U.S.Pat. No. 5,040,867 to Michael de Jong et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,020to Michael de Jong et al. describe installation tools for facilitatingthe connectorization of optical fibers in the field. In addition, aUNICAM® installation tool kit is provided by Siecor Corporation ofHickory, N.C., to facilitate the mounting of the UNICAM® family ofconnectors upon the end portions of optical field fibers in the field.An installation tool holds a number of components of the fiber opticconnector including the ferrule and the splice components while theoptical field fibers are inserted into the fiber optic connector andaligned with the respective optical fiber stubs.

In this regard, one conventional installation tool includes a base and atool housing mounted upon the base. The installation tool also includesan adapter disposed within the tool housing. The adapter has a first endfor engaging the fiber optic connector that is to be mounted upon theoptical field fibers and an opposed second end that is a dust cap. Theinstallation tool also includes a bias member mounted within the toolhousing that engages a shoulder defined between the first and secondends of the adapter in order to secure the adapter in position withinthe tool housing. Typically, the bias member includes a slide memberslidably connected to the tool housing and a biasing element, such as aspring, for urging the slide member into engagement with the shoulderdefined by the adapter. The slide member generally includes anengagement portion having a U-shape through which the second end of theadapter extends. In addition, a conventional slide member includes abase portion disposed between the tool housing and the base andconnected to the engagement portion by means of a connecting elementthat extends through a lengthwise extending slot defined by the toolhousing. Thus, the movement of the connecting element through the slotdefined by the tool housing guides the corresponding movement of theslide member in a lengthwise direction relative to the tool housing inorder to engage the shoulder defined by the adapter, thereby securingthe adapter in position within the tool housing.

In order to mount the fiber optic connector upon the end portions of theoptical field fibers, the fiber optic connector is mounted within theinstallation tool. In particular, the forward end of the fiber opticconnector is engaged by the first end of the adapter which, in turn, issecured within the tool housing once the slide member is biased intoengagement with the shoulder defined by the adapter. The end portions ofthe optical field fibers are then inserted into the rear end of thefiber optic connector and the splice components are subsequentlyactuated, such as by being cammed together, in order to secure theoptical field fibers relative to respective optical fiber stubs. Thecrimp tube 24 of the fiber optic connector is then crimped about theoptical field fibers and, in some applications, a crimp band 26 iscrimped to the strength members surrounding the optical field fibers inorder to provide strain relief and otherwise protect the spliceconnections of the optical field fibers and the optical fiber stubs.

Once fiber optic connectors have been mounted upon the opposed endportions of the optical field fibers, the resulting fiber optic cableassembly is preferably tested end-to-end. Among other things, thistesting is designed to insure that optical continuity has beenestablished between the optical fiber stubs and respective optical fieldfibers. While fiber optic cables can be tested in different manners, onetest involves the introduction of light having a predetermined intensityinto each optical fiber stub. By measuring the light following itspropagation through the fiber optic cable assembly and, moreparticularly, by measuring the insertion loss and back reflectance ontoeach optical fiber stub with a power meter, the continuity of eachoptical field fiber and the respective optical fiber stub can bedetermined. If the testing indicates that the optical fibers are notsufficiently continuous, the technician must either scrap the entirefiber optic cable assembly or, more commonly, replace one or both fiberoptic connectors in an attempt to establish the desired continuity. Inorder to replace the fiber optic connectors, a technician generallyremoves, i.e., cuts off, one of the fiber optic connectors and repeatsthe connectorization process described above by mounting a new fiberoptic connector within the installation tool and inserting the opticalfield fibers into the new fiber optic connector. Once the new fiberoptic connector has been mounted upon the end portions of the opticalfield fibers, the new fiber optic connector is removed from theinstallation tool and the fiber optic cable assembly is again tested. Ifthe optical fibers are still not sufficiently continuous, the fiberoptic connector mounted upon the other end of the fiber optic cableassembly is typically removed and replaced as described above, prior tofurther testing of the resulting fiber optic cable assembly.

While fiber optic connectors and associated installation tools have beendeveloped to facilitate the mounting of the fiber optic connectors uponthe end portions of optical field fibers in the field, conventionalfield connectorization techniques can be quite time consuming andexpensive. In this regard, since the continuity testing is not performeduntil after the fiber optic connectors have been completely mounted tothe optical field fibers, one or both of the fiber optic connectors musttypically be replaced if the testing indicates a discontinuity betweenthe optical field fibers and the respective optical fiber stubs. Thisprocess not only requires additional time to effect thereconnectorization, but also increases the cost of the resulting fiberoptic cable assembly by causing a number of potentially functional fiberoptic connectors to be disadvantageously scrapped since the testinggenerally does not indicate which of the fiber optic connectors shouldbe replaced. In this regard, the technician generally randomly picks oneof the fiber optic connectors to replace, thereby insuring that a fiberoptic connector that has been appropriately mounted upon the opticalfield fibers is replaced almost half of the time.

The reconnectorization of one or both ends of a fiber optic cableassembly is particularly troublesome for fiber optic cable assembliesthat include a plurality of optical field fibers. In this regard, if thetesting indicates a discontinuity involving any one of the optical fieldfibers, the fiber optic connectors mounted upon one or both ends of thefiber optic cable assembly must generally be replaced, even if the otheroptical field fibers and the optical fiber stubs have the desiredcontinuity.

In order to facilitate continuity testing while the fiber opticconnector remains mounted within the installation tool, SiecorCorporation previously developed a modified installation tool for asingle fiber CamLite™ ST connector that permitted continuity testing.The installation tool included an adapter having opposed first andsecond ends, the first end of which was adapted to engage a single fiberCamLite ST connector. In order to test the continuity of the opticalfiber, a laser, such as an HeNe gas laser, was provided that deliveredred light to the optical fiber stub of the single fiber CamLite STconnector. More particularly, the red light was delivered via an opticalfiber upon which another ST connector was mounted. This other STconnector was, in turn, inserted into the second end of the adapter suchthat the red light was delivered to the optical fiber stub of the singlefiber CamLite ST connector. By monitoring the glow emanating from theend portion of the optical fiber stub within the fiber optic connectorthrough a translucent connector body, the technician could determinewhen contact was established between the optical fiber stub and theoptical field fiber based upon the dissipation of the glow, i.e.,continuity is presumed to have been established once the glowdissipates. Thereafter, the cam member of the single fiber CamLite STconnector could be actuated to fix the relative positions of the opticalfield fiber and the optical fiber stub prior to making a final check ofcontinuity.

While the installation tool developed by Siecor Corporation for thesingle fiber CamLite ST connector advantageously monitored thecontinuity of an optical field fiber and an optical fiber stub while thesingle fiber CamLite ST connector remained within the installation tool,this installation tool provided no mechanism for uncamming andrepositioning the optical field fiber relative to the optical fiber stubif the continuity was inadequate after cam actuation. As such, the fiberoptic connector would still have to be removed from the end portion ofthe optical fiber and replaced by a new single fiber CamLite STconnector if testing subsequently determined that the optical fieldfiber and the optical fiber stub were actually discontinuous. Inaddition, the modified installation tool developed by Siecor Corporationwas only capable of mounting a fiber optic connector upon a singleoptical fiber and, more particularly, mounting a CamLite ST connectorupon a single optical fiber and did not permit multifiber connectors tobe mounted upon the end portions of a plurality of optical field fibers.As such, improved techniques for mounting multifiber connectors uponoptical field fibers in the field and for testing the resulting fiberoptic cable assembly are desired in order to reduce the overall timerequired for the mounting and testing procedures and to correspondinglyreduce the cost of the resulting fiber optic cable assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Methods are therefore provided according to the present invention forvalidating the continuity of one or more optical fibers upon which afiber optic connector is mounted. According to one embodiment, the fiberoptic connector can be mounted upon an optical field fiber by actuatinga cam mechanism to secure the optical field fiber in position relativeto an optical fiber stub. If subsequent evaluation indicates that thecontinuity of the optical field fiber and the optical fiber stub isunacceptable, the cam mechanism can be deactuated, the optical fieldfiber can be repositioned and the cam mechanism can be reactuatedwithout having to remove and replace the fiber optic connector. In orderto determine if continuity has been established between the opticalfield fibers and respective optical fiber stubs, a method is alsoprovided that introduces light into at least one of each pair of opticalfield fibers and optical fiber stubs and that only secures the positionof each optical field fiber relative to the respective optical fiberstub once the glow associated with each pair of optical field fibers andoptical fiber stubs dissipates, which dissipation indicates theestablishment of continuity. An improved multifiber connector andinstallation tool are also provided to facilitate the establishment andvalidation of the continuity of optical field fibers and optical fiberstubs in order to reduce the time and cost required to connectorizeoptical field fibers in the field.

According to one advantageous embodiment, a method is provided forvalidating the continuity of an optical fiber upon which a fiber opticconnector is mounted. In this regard, the fiber optic connector includesa ferrule defining at least one bore extending between opposed front andrear faces, an optical fiber stub extending through the bore and beyondthe rear face of the ferrule, and a cam mechanism. According to thisembodiment, an optical field fiber is advanced into the fiber opticconnector while light is introduced into at least one of the opticalfield fiber and the optical fiber stub. So long as the optical fieldfiber and the optical fiber stub are discontinuous, a glow will emanatefrom an end portion of the optical field fiber or the optical fiber stubinto which light is introduced. The glow is monitored while the opticalfield fiber is advanced into the fiber optic connector and furtheradvancement of the optical field fiber is halted once the glowdissipates. The cam mechanism is then actuated to secure the opticalfield fiber in position relative to the optional fiber stub. Once thecam mechanism has been actuated, the continuity of the optical fieldfiber and the optical fiber stub is evaluated, preferably while thefiber optic connector remains within the installation tool. If thecontinuity of the optical field fiber and the optical fiber stub isunacceptable, the cam mechanism is deactuated. The optical field fiberis then repositioned relative to the optical fiber stub. In this regard,the optical field fiber is typically cleaved and cleaned prior to therepositioning to improve the resulting connection. Once the opticalfield fiber has been repositioned, the cam mechanism is reactuated. Theevaluation of the continuity of the optical field fiber and the opticalfiber stub as well as any necessary deactuation of the cam mechanism,repositioning of the optical field fiber and reactuation of the cammechanism can be repeated as necessary to achieve continuity. Onceacceptable continuity is obtained, the fiber optic connector can becrimped onto the optical field fibers and, more typically, to thestrength members surrounding the optical field fibers.

By permitting repeated repositioning of the optical field fiber prior tocrimping the fiber optic connector onto the optical field fibers, themethod of this embodiment prevents otherwise acceptable fiber opticconnectors from being replaced in an attempt to establish continuitybetween optical field fibers and optical fiber stubs. Thus, the totaltime required to mount the fiber optic connectors upon the optical fieldfibers and to validate the resulting continuity of the optical fibers isdecreased according to the method of this embodiment of the presentinvention. Correspondingly, the cost of the resulting fiber optic cableassembly, on average, is also decreased since fewer fiber opticconnectors are removed and scrapped.

In order to permit the glow emanating from the end portion of at leastone optical fiber stub or optical field fiber that is indicative of adiscontinuity to be viewed, a multifiber connector is also providedaccording to another embodiment of the present invention. The multifiberconnector of this embodiment includes a multifiber ferrule extendinglengthwise between opposed front and rear faces for receiving aplurality of optical fiber stubs. The multifiber connector also includessplice components positioned proximate the rear face of the multifiberferrule for aligning a plurality of optical field fibers with respectiveones of the plurality of optical fibers stubs. The multifiber connectoralso includes a cam mechanism for urging the splice components togetherto operably interconnect respective pairs of the optical field fibersand the optical fibers stubs. According to this embodiment of thepresent invention, at least one of the cam mechanism and the splicecomponents is translucent such that the glow emanating from therewithinthat is indicative of a discontinuity between at least one pair ofoptical field fibers and optical fibers stubs is externally visible.

In one embodiment, the cam mechanism of the multifiber connectorincludes a sleeve in which the splice components are disposed. Thesleeve of this embodiment also defines a window through which the splicecomponents are exposed. In addition to the sleeve, the cam mechanism ofthis embodiment includes a cam member disposed upon the sleeve forengaging the splice components via the window defined by the sleeve. Assuch, movement of the cam member relative to the sleeve urges the splicecomponents together. In this embodiment, the cam member is typicallytranslucent. As such, the multifiber connector of this embodiment of thepresent invention permits the connectorization process to be monitoredto ensure that continuity is established between each optical fieldfiber and the respective optical fiber stubs prior to actuating the cammechanism to secure the optical field fibers in position relative to therespective optical fiber stubs.

An installation tool is also provided according to another embodiment ofthe present invention for mounting the fiber optic connector upon one ormore optical field fibers. The installation tool of this embodiment iscapable of being converted between a first configuration thatfacilitates validation of the continuity of the optical fibers and asecond configuration in which the continuity of the optical fibers isuntested.

According to this embodiment, the installation tool includes a toolhousing extending lengthwise between first and second opposed ends. Theinstallation tool also include first and second adapters capable ofbeing alternately mounted within the tool housing to configure theinstallation tool in the first and second configurations, respectively.The first adapter has a first end adapted to engage the fiber opticconnector that is being mounted upon the optical field fiber and anopposed second end adapted to engage a fiber optic connector that ismounted upon another optical fiber that delivers light for continuitytesting. While the second adapter also has a first end adapted to engagethe fiber optic connector that is mounted upon the optical field fiber,the second end of the second adapter serves as a dust cap. Each adapterfurther defines a shoulder between the opposed first and second ends.The installation tool of this embodiment of the present invention alsoincludes first and second bias members capable of being alternatelymounted within the tool housing to configure the installation tool inthe first and second configurations, respectively. The bias members areadapted to be biased into engagement with the shoulder defined by therespective adapter to thereby secure the respective adapter in positionwithin the tool housing.

According to this embodiment of the present invention, the first andsecond adapters and the first and second bias members can beinterchanged to convert the installation tool between the first andsecond configurations without otherwise disassembling the installationtool. In this regard, the first adapter and the first bias member can bemounted within the tool housing such that the installation tool has thefirst configuration that permits testing of the continuity of theoptical fibers upon which the fiber optic connector is mounted.Alternatively, the second adapter and the second bias member can bemounted within the tool housing such that the installation tool has thesecond configuration that does not support continuity testing, butappears and functions in the same manner as a conventional installationtool.

According to this embodiment of the present invention, each bias memberpreferably includes a slide member and a biasing element for urging therespective slide member into engagement with the shoulder defined by therespective adapter to thereby secure the respective adapter andconnector in position within the tool housing. Moreover, each slidemember can include an engagement portion capable of being disposedwithin the tool housing for engaging the shoulder defined by therespective adapter and a base portion disposed on the opposite side ofthe tool housing from the engagement portion. In addition, each slidemember can include a removable connector interconnecting the engagementportion and the base portion. The removable connector extends through aslot defined by the tool housing such that the removable connector rideswithin the slot as the slide member moves relative to the tool housing.Each slide member preferably includes a common base portion. As such, byremoving the removable connector, the engagement portions of the firstand second adapters can be interchanged and mounted to the common baseportion without otherwise disassembling the installation tool.

Accordingly, the installation tool can be configured to supportcontinuity testing of a fiber optic connector that remains mountedwithin the installation tool. Alternatively, the installation tool canbe configured as a conventional installation tool that does not supportcontinuity testing. By permitting continuity testing without removingthe fiber optic connector from the installation tool, however, theinstallation tool of this embodiment of the present invention furtherfacilitates the rapid repositioning of the optical field fibers relativeto the optical fiber stubs in order to achieve continuity without havingto scrap the fiber optic connector as required by conventionaltechniques.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an MT-RJ UNICAM® fiber opticconnector.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an installation tool accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the installation tool of FIG. 2following assembly thereof.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the installation tool ofFIGS. 2 and 3 having at least portions of the MT-RJ UNICAM fiber opticconnector of FIG. 1 mounted therein.

FIG. 5a is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the installationtool of FIGS. 2-4 illustrating the adapter and slide member that definethe first configuration of the installation tool.

FIG. 5b is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the installationtool of FIGS. 2-4 illustrating the adapter and slide member that definethe second configuration of the installation tool.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the operations performed in order tovalidate the continuity of one or more optical field fibers withrespective optical fiber stubs according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout.

A method is provided according to the present invention for validatingthe continuity of one or more optical field fibers with respectiveoptical fiber stubs carried by a fiber optic connector mounted upon endportions of the optical field fibers. While the method of the presentinvention can be utilized to perform continuity testing following themounting of a variety of different fiber optic connectors upon the endportions of the optical field fibers, the method will be hereinafterdescribed by way of example, and not of limitation, in conjunction withcontinuity testing performed following the mounting of a MT-RJ UNICAM®connector upon the end portions of a pair of optical field fibers.

As depicted in FIG. 1 and described in more detail in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/108,451, an MT-RJ UNICAM connector 10 is amultifiber connector having a multifiber ferrule 12. A number of opticalfiber stubs extend through and are secured within the multifiberferrule. Depending upon the eventual application of the multi fiberconnector and the type of optical fibers upon which the connector willbe mounted, the optical fiber stubs can be either multi-mode or singlemode optical fiber stubs. In any event, the ferrule defines a pluralityof bores that open through a front face of the ferrule for receivingrespective optical fiber stubs. While the multifiber ferrule of theillustrated embodiment includes two bores, the multifiber ferrule caninclude any number of bores depending upon the number of optical fieldfibers upon which the fiber optic connector is to be mounted. Theoptical fiber stubs are preferably secured within the multifiber ferruleand, more particularly, within respective bores defined by the ferruleby means of an epoxy or other adhesive.

Once the optical fiber stubs have been secured within the multifiberferrule 12, the front face of the multifiber ferrule, including the endportions of the optical fiber stubs that are exposed via the boresopening through the front face of the ferrule, is precision polished.Although the multifiber connector 10 is particularly well-suited forfield installation, the optical fiber stubs are preferably securedwithin the multifiber ferrule and the front face of the multifiberferrule are preferably polished in the factory. The optical fiber stubsalso preferably extend rearwardly beyond the rear face of the multifiberferrule. In this regard, the ends of the optical fiber stubs that extendrearwardly beyond the rear face of the multifiber ferrule have typicallybeen precision cleaved in order to facilitate subsequent splicing torespective optical field fibers.

The multifiber connector 10 also generally includes a sleeve 22,typically termed a ferrule holder, defining a lengthwise extendingpassageway for at least partially receiving the ferrule 12. For example,the second end of the ferrule is typically secured within one end of thepassageway defined by the ferrule holder by means of an epoxy or otheradhesive or by means of ultrasonic welding or the like. The multifiberconnector also includes splice components disposed within the ferruleholder. As described in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/108,451, the splice components are commonly formed of first andsecond splice portions or splice halves which are urged together tosecurely engage end portions of the optical fiber stubs and the opticalfield fibers. In this regard, at least one of the splice componentsdefines grooves for receiving the end portions of the optical fiberstubs and the optical field fibers.

Once assembled as shown in FIG. 1, the ferrule holder 22 secures thesplice components within the lengthwise extending passageway such thatthe insertion of the rear end of the multifiber ferrule 12 into thepassageway correspondingly inserts the end portions of the optical fiberstubs that extend beyond the rear face of the multifiber ferrule intorespective grooves defined by the splice components. The assembledcomponents of the fiber optic connector 10 can then be inserted into ahousing 30. In addition, the fiber optic connector can include a spring32 and an annular spring push member 34 that are mounted upon theferrule holder and that engage the housing in order to resiliently biasthe ferrule forwardly in a longitudinal direction relative to thehousing. In order to fabricate a male connector, the fiber opticconnector may also include a pin keeper 16 that retains a pair of guidepins 18. During assembly, the forward end of the ferrule can be extendedthrough an opening defined by the pin keeper prior to inserting theferrule and the ferrule holder into the housing. As such, the guide pinsare positioned in respective guide pin passageways 14 defined by theferrule and extend beyond the front face of the housing.

Once in the field, the end portions of the optical field fibers can alsobe inserted into respective grooves from the opposite end of the splicecomponents so as to be aligned with and optically connected withrespective optical fibers stubs. In this regard, the multifiberconnector 10 can also include a crimp tube 24 through which the endportions of the optical field fibers are extended prior to insertioninto respective grooves defined by the splice components, therebyfacilitating the insertion of the optical field fibers into therespective grooves defined by the splice components.

The ferrule holder 22 preferably defines a window (not shown) and thesplice components preferably include a keel. As such, the splicecomponents can be disposed within the passageway defined by the ferruleholder such that the keel is positioned within the window defined by theferrule holder and is exposed through the window for facilitatingactuation of the splice components. The multi fiber connector alsoincludes a cam member 20 that is mounted upon the ferrule holder. Thecam member is designed to engage the keel of the splice components thatis exposed through the window defined by the ferrule holder. In additionto engaging the exposed keel, the cam member is adapted to actuate thesplice components, such as by urging the first and second portions ofthe splice components toward one another as the cam member is rotatedrelative to the ferrule holder from a first unactuated position to asecond actuated position. Upon actuation of the splice components, theend portions of the optical fiber stubs and the optical field fibers aremechanically coupled or spliced. Further details regarding the manner inwhich the cam member actuates the splice components are provided by U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/108,451, the contents of which have beenincorporated herein by reference.

Once the splice components have been actuated and the continuity of theoptical fiber stubs and the optical field fibers has been validated asdescribed below, the crimp tube 24 can be crimped about the opticalfield fibers and the remainder of the components of the fiber opticconnector 10 can be assembled. For example, the fiber optic connectorcan include an annular crimp band 26 that is mounted over the crimp tubeand upon the end portion of the ferrule holder 22 proximate the cammember 20. The crimp band can also be crimped inwardly in order toengage strength members associated with the optical field fibers thatare positioned between the crimp band and the ferrule holder. A boot 36that has that been previously mounted upon the optical field fibers canalso be inserted into the rear end of the housing 30 so as to providestrain relief for the optical field fibers.

The method for validating the continuity of the optical field fibers andthe optical fiber stubs according to the present invention isparticularly advantageous for applications in which the fiber opticconnector 10 is mounted upon the optical field fibers in the field. Assuch, an installation tool 40 is provided according to one embodiment ofthe present invention to facilitate mounting of the fiber opticconnector upon the end portions of the optical field fibers. In thisregard, FIGS. 2 and 3 depict an exploded perspective view and anassembled perspective view, respectively, of an installation tool. Theinstallation tool typically includes a base 42. Mounted to the base,typically by means of set screws 44, are a fiber holder 46 for holdingthe optical field fibers, an anvil 48 for facilitating the crimping ofcrimp tube 24 during assembly of the fiber optic connector, and a toolhousing 50. The installation tool also includes a wrench 52 mounted tothe tool housing for engaging the cam member 20 of the fiber opticconnector and permitting actuation thereof. The installation toolfurther includes an adapter 54 that is mounted within the tool housingand a bias member 57 that is also mounted within the tool housing forsecuring the adapter in position therewithin.

As shown in FIGS. 5a and 5 b, the adapter 54 has opposed first andsecond ends 56, 58 and defines a shoulder 60 therebetween. The first endof the adapter is designed to engage the fiber optic connector 10 thatis being mounted upon the end portions of the optical field fibers. Inembodiments in which an MT-RJ UNICAM connector is to be mounted upon theend portions of the optical field fibers, the first end of the adapteris designed to engage the housing 30 of the MT-RJ UNICAM connector, suchas by being sized and shaped to receive the housing of the MT-RJ UNICAMconnector and defining windows for receiving and engaging correspondingtabs that extend outwardly from the housing.

According to the present invention, the installation tool 40 includesfirst and second adapters 54 that can be alternately mounted within thetool housing 50 to configure the installation tool to have first andsecond configurations, respectively. As shown in FIG. 5a, the second end58 of the first adapter is also sized and shaped to engage another fiberoptic connector, typically of the same type engaged by the first end 56of the adapter. As will be described below, the fiber optic connectorengaged by the second end of the first adapter is mounted upon the endportion of an optical fiber that serves to deliver light for testing thecontinuity of the optical fiber stubs and the optical field fibers. Eventhough the first and second ends of the first adapter are both typicallydesigned to engage the same type of fiber optic connectors, the firstand second ends of the first adapter are preferably sized differently soas to thereby define a shoulder 60 that can be engaged by the biasmember 57. In contrast to the first adapter, the second adapter is of amore conventional design and has a closed second end that functions as adust cap. Since the second end of the second adapter is not designed toengage another fiber optic connector, the second adapter is generallysmaller than the first adapter.

By providing two different adapters 54, the installation tool 40 of thepresent invention can be differently configured depending upon itsapplication. For example, the first adapter can be mounted within thetool housing 50 in order to facilitate continuity testing of the opticalfiber stubs and the optical field fibers while the fiber optic connector10 is mounted within the installation tool as will be described in moredetail hereinafter. By mounting the second adapter within the toolhousing, however, the installation tool of the present invention canoperate in a more conventional manner by facilitating the mounting ofthe fiber optic connector upon the end portions of the optical fieldfibers without permitting continuity testing of the optical fiber stubsand the optical field fibers. Also, as described below, the secondadapter could be used if the light source is attached to the opticalfield fibers rather than the optical fiber stubs.

Since the first and second adapters 54 are generally of different sizes,the installation tool 40 of the present invention also generallyprovides first and second bias members 57 adapted to engage the firstand second adapters, respectively. In this regard, each bias membergenerally has a U-shape and defines a channel 67 through which therespective adapter extends. In this regard, the channel defined by thefirst bias member is preferably larger than the channel defined by thesecond bias member since the first adapter is also generally larger thanthe second adapter.

Each bias member 57 includes a slide member 62 capable of being mountedwithin the tool housing 50 and a biasing element 64 for urging therespective slide member into engagement with the shoulder 60 defined bythe respective adapter 54. As shown in FIGS. 2, 5 a and 5 b, each slidemember typically includes an engagement portion 66 disposed within thetool housing for engaging the shoulder of the respective adapter. Inthis regard, the engagement portion is generally U-shaped and definesthe channel through which the second end 58 of the respective adapterextends. Each slide member also includes a base portion 68 disposed onthe opposite side of the tool housing from the engagement portion. Inthis regard, the base portion is typically disposed between the toolhousing and the base 42. In addition, each slide member includes aremovable connector 70 interconnecting the engagement portion and thebase portion. As depicted in FIG. 2, the tool housing preferably definesa lengthwise extending slot 72. As such, the removable connector canextend through the slot defined by the tool 30 housing in order toconnect the engagement portion and the base portion and can ride withinthe slot as the slide member moves lengthwise relative to the toolhousing.

The biasing element 64, such as a spring, typically engages the baseportion 68 of each slide member 62 so as to bias or urge the slidemember in a predetermined direction, such as to the right in FIG. 4.Thus, the adapter 54 can be secured in position between an upstandingportion of the tool housing and the slide member. For example, the slidemember depicted in FIG. 4 can be moved to the left by a technician andan adapter inserted between the slide member and an upstanding portionof the tool housing. Once the slide member is released by thetechnician, the biasing element urges the slide member to the right andinto contact with the shoulder 60 of the adapter, thereby securing theadapter and connector housing 30 against the upstanding portion of thetool housing.

By utilizing a common base portion 68 and a common biasing element 64,the installation tool 40 can be readily converted between the first andsecond configurations without substantially disassembling theinstallation tool. In order to change from the first configuration ofthe installation tool to the second configuration, the first adapter 54is removed from the installation tool and the removable connector 70 isremoved in order to disconnect the engagement portion 66 and the baseportion 68. The engagement portion of the first bias member 57 is thenreplaced with the engagement portion of the second bias member and theremovable connector is reinserted. Thereafter, the second adapter isinserted into the tool housing 50 to complete the reconfigurationprocess. By reversing these steps, the installation tool can also beeasily converted from the second configuration to the firstconfiguration, if so desired. Accordingly, the installation tool neednot be disassembled, such as by removing the tool housing or any othercomponent from the base 42, in order to be reconfigured. Thus, the sameinstallation tool can function as a conventional installation tool inthe second configuration in which a dust cover is mounted to the fiberoptic connector 10 that is being mounted upon the end portions of theoptical field fibers and which does not support continuity testing whilethe fiber optic connector is mounted within the installation tool, aswell as a modified installation tool in the first configuration whichpermits continuity testing to be performed while the fiber opticconnector is mounted within the installation tool, as described in moredetail below.

In order to test the continuity of the optical field fibers and theoptical fiber stubs during the process of mounting a fiber opticconnector 10, such as a MT-RJ UNICAM® connector, upon the end portionsof the optical field fibers, at least portions of the fiber opticconnector are initially mounted within the installation tool 40 that isassembled to have the first configuration. See block 80 of FIG. 6. Inthis regard, the fiber optic connector with the exception of the crimpband 26 and the boot 36 are assembled and the forward end of the housing30 is inserted into the first end 56 of the adapter 54 for engagementtherewith. While the crimp band and the boot are not assembled to theremainder of the fiber optic connector, the crimp band and the boot aremounted upon the optical field fibers prior to inserting the opticalfield fibers into the fiber optic connector. In addition to theengagement of the housing within the first end of the first adapter, thewrench 52 of the installation tool engages the cam member 20 of thefiber optic connector that has previously been mounted upon the ferruleholder 22.

In order to test the continuity of the optical fiber stubs and theoptical field fibers, a light source is provided, such as a diode laser,for producing light signals having predetermined characteristics, suchas a predetermined intensity and/or wavelength. The light produced bythe light source is introduced into at least one of each pair of theoptical fiber stubs and the optical field fibers. See block 82. Asdescribed hereinafter, the light is typically introduced into theoptical fiber stubs. For example, in the illustrated embodiment in whicha multifiber connector 10 is to be mounted upon a pair of optical fieldfibers, light is introduced into each of the two optical fiber stubs.While the light source can include a separate source for providing thelight that is introduced into each optical fiber stub, a single lightsource is typically utilized with the light generated thereby beingsplit prior to its introduction into the respective optical fiber stubs.

The light produced by the light source is typically delivered to theoptical fiber stubs by means of one or more optical fiber jumpers uponwhich a fiber optic connector is mounted. Although not necessary, thefiber optic connector that is mounted upon the optical fiber jumpersfrom the light source is typically of the same type as the fiber opticconnector 10 to be mounted upon the optical field fibers, such as anMT-RJ UNICAM® connector. The fiber optic connector associated with theoptical fiber jumpers can therefore be inserted into the second end 58of the adapter 54, i.e., the first adapter, such that light generated bythe light source is introduced into each optical fiber stub of the fiberoptic connector to be mounted to the optical field fibers.Alternatively, the light source could be introduced from the oppositeend of the optical field fibers, rather than from the connector end. Inthis manner, the light would emanate from the ends of the optical fieldfibers rather than the optical fiber stubs. With the light emanatingfrom the optical field fibers, either of the adapters 54 could be used.

While the light source is introducing light into the optical fiberstubs, the optical field fibers are inserted into the rear end of thefiber optic connector 10 and advanced therethrough until contact isestablished with the respective optical fiber stubs. See block 84. Inthe embodiment in which an MT-RJ UNICAM® connector is to be mounted upona plurality of optical field fibers, the end portions of the opticalfield fibers are inserted through the crimp tube 24 and into respectivegrooves defined by the splice components. While the end portions of theoptical field fibers are spaced apart from the optical fiber stubs, thelight introduced into the optical fiber stubs generates a glow thatemanates from the end portions of the optical fiber stubs within thesplice components. Once the optical field fibers have made opticalcontact with the respective optical fiber stubs, either through directphysical contact or via index matching gel that is also disposed withinthe grooves defined by the splice components, the glow will dissipatesince the light will be transmitted from the optical fiber stubs torespective optical field fibers. As such, the glow emanating from theend portions of the optical fiber stubs is preferably monitored as theoptical field fibers are advanced into the fiber optic connector sincethe glow provides an indication of optical continuity. In order topermit the glow to be monitored, at least one of the cam mechanism andthe splice components of the multifiber connector is translucent.Although one or all components could be translucent, the multifiberconnector of one advantageous embodiment includes a cam member 20, aferrule holder 22 and splice components that are each translucent topermit the technician to monitor the glow emanating from the endportions of each optical fiber stub.

Once the optical field fibers appear to have made optical contact withthe respective optical fiber stubs as indicated by the dissipation ofthe glow associated with each optical fiber stub, the optical fieldfibers are no longer advanced and the cam mechanism is actuated tosecure the optical field fibers in position relative to the opticalfiber stubs. See blocks 86 and 88. In the embodiment in which an MT-RJUNICAM connector 10 is mounted upon the end portions of a plurality ofoptical field fibers, the cam mechanism is actuated by rotating the cammember 20 relative to the ferrule holder 22 which, in turn, actuates thesplice components and forces the splice components together. In order tofacilitate the rotation of the cam member relative to the ferruleholder, the outwardly extending handle of the wrench 52 can be graspedby the technician and moved so as to rotate the cam member relative tothe ferrule holder.

Once the cam mechanism has been actuated to secure the optical fieldfibers in position relative to the optical fiber stubs, the fiber opticconnector 10 is evaluated to determine if the glow that previouslyemanated from the optical fiber stubs completely disappears, therebyindicating that the optical field fibers and the optical fiber stubs arecontinuous. See block 90. If the glow has not been extinguished and thecontinuity is therefore unacceptable, the cam mechanism is deactuated.See block 92. For example, the cam member 20 of an MT-RJ UNICAM®connector can be rotated relative to the ferrule holder 22 in order todeactuate the splice components by returning the wrench 52 to itsoriginal position. Thereafter, the optical field fibers can berepositioned relative to the optical fiber stubs. In addition torepositioning the optical field fibers, the optical field fibers can bewithdrawn from the fiber optic connector, recleaved and cleaned priorbeing reinserted into the fiber optic connector and repositioned. Seeblock 94. In this regard, the optical field fibers are generally cleanedof any index matching gel prior to being recleaved and thereafterrecleaned with alcohol or the like.

During the repositioning of the optical field fibers, light continues tobe introduced, typically into the optical fiber stubs, and the glowemanating from the end portions of the optical fiber stubs is againmonitored to determine when continuity appears to have been establishedbetween each of the optical field fibers and the optical fiber stubs.Once the glow emanating from the end portion of each optical fiber stubdissipates, the cam mechanism can be reactuated to secure the opticalfield fibers in position relative to the optical fiber stubs. The fiberoptic connector 10 can then again be inspected to determine if the glowhas been completely extinguished. The repositioning and retesting of thecontinuity of the optical field fibers and the optical fiber stubs canbe repeated as many times as necessary in order to obtain acceptablecontinuity between each pair of optical field fibers and optical fiberstubs.

Once the continuity of each pair of optical field fibers and opticalfiber stubs has been verified by the extinguishment of the glow, thefiber optic connector 10 can be physically secured to the optical fieldfibers. In this regard, the crimp tube 24 is generally crimped about theoptical fibers and, more commonly, about the buffer tubes. In order tocrimp the crimp tube, the installation tool can include an arm 78pivotally connected to the tool housing. By rotating the arm downwardly,the crimp tube can be compressed between the underside of the arm andthe anvil 48, thereby crimping the crimp tube radially inward about theferrule holder and securing the strength members therebetween. See block96. Following crimping of the crimp tube, the arm is lifted and thefiber optic connector 10 is removed from the installation tool. Seeblock 98. A crimp band 26 is then typically slid over the optical fieldfibers and the crimp tube and about the rear end of the ferrule holder22 such that the strength members that extend lengthwise along with theoptical field fibers are positioned between the crimp band and theferrule holder. Once properly positioned, the crimp band is crimpedradially inward so as to securely couple the strength members of thefiber optic cable and the fiber optic connector. See block 100. The boot36 is then slid along the optical field fibers and inserted into therear end of the housing so as to provide strain relief for the opticalfield fibers. See block 102.

Although the continuity of the optical field fibers and the opticalfiber stubs is confirmed by the extinguishment of the glow emanatingfrom the optical fiber stubs, the continuity of the optical field fibersand the optical fiber stubs can be further and/or alternativelyevaluated by an additional test. In this regard, the fiber opticconnector 10 is removed from the installation tool 40 after the cammechanism has been actuated to secure the optical field fibers and theoptical fiber stubs, but prior to crimping the crimp tube 24 about theoptical fibers. The fiber optic connector is removed from theinstallation tool by disengaging the housing 30 and the adapter 54 fromthe slide member 62. The continuity of the optical field fibers and theoptical fiber stubs can then be evaluated in a conventional manner. Forexample, a power meter, such as a JDS power meter, can be connected tothe fiber optic connector through adapter 54 (functioning as a regularconnector adapter) in order to introduce light into each pair of opticalfiber stubs and optical field fibers and to measure attenuation of thelight, typically by measuring the insertion loss and the backreflectance. If the insertion loss is unacceptably high or if the backreflectance is unacceptably low, it will generally be determined thatthe optical fiber stubs and the optical field fibers are notsufficiently continuous. Alternatively, if the insertion loss isrelatively low and the back reflectance is relatively high, the testingwill confirm that optical field fibers and the optical fiber stubs arecontinuous.

In either instance, the fiber optic connector 10 is then remountedwithin the installation tool 40 such as by inserting the housing 30 atleast partially within the first end 56 of the first adapter 54. If thecontinuity of the optical field fibers and the optical fiber stubs isunacceptable, the cam mechanism can be deactuated and the optical fieldfibers can be repositioned as described above and as shown in blocks 92and 94. If the continuity of the optical field fibers and the opticalfiber stubs is acceptable, however, the crimp tube 24 is crimped aboutthe optical fibers prior to removing the fiber optic connector from theinstallation tool and completing the assembly process as also describedabove and depicted in blocks 96-102.

By monitoring the continuity of the optical field fibers and the opticalfiber stubs while the optical field fibers are inserted into the fiberoptic connector 10, a technician can visually determine when continuityappears to have been established between each of the optical fieldfibers and the respective optical fiber stubs. In addition, bypermitting the continuity to be further evaluated in the mannerdescribed above after actuating the cam mechanism and securing theoptical field fibers in position relative to the optical fiber stubs,the continuity can be validated and, if it is determined that continuityhas not actually been established between one or more of the opticalfield fibers and their respective optical fiber stubs, the cam mechanismcan be deactuated, the optical field fibers can be repositioned, the cammechanism reactuated and the process repeated until continuity isconfirmed between each optical field fiber and the respective opticalfiber stub.

Only once continuity is established between each optical field fiber andthe respective optical fiber stub, as indicated by the extinguishment ofthe glow emanating from the optical fiber stubs, is the fiber opticconnector 10 crimped onto the optical field fibers as described above.As such, the method and associated multifiber connector and installationtool 40 of the present invention reduce the time required to mount fiberoptic connectors upon optical field fibers in the field and to test thecontinuity of the resulting optical connection. In addition, the methodand the associated multifiber connector and installation tool of thepresent invention reduce the number of fiber optic connectors that mustbe scrapped, thereby reducing the overall costs associated with theconnectorization of optical field fibers in the field.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tomind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains havingthe benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions andthe associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that theinvention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed andthat modifications and other embodiments are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for purposes of limitation.

That which is claimed:
 1. A method of validating continuity of anoptical fiber upon which a fiber optic connector is mounted, the methodcomprising: providing a fiber optic connector including a ferruledefining at least one bore extending between opposed front and rearfaces, an optical fiber stub disposed within the bore and extendingbeyond the rear face of the ferrule, and a cam mechanism; introducinglight into at least one of an optical field fiber and the optical fiberstub; advancing the optical field fiber into the fiber optic connectorsuch that a glow emanates from an end portion of the at least one of theoptical field fiber and the optical fiber stub while the optical fieldfiber is advanced into the fiber optic connector; actuating the cammechanism to secure the optical field fiber in position relative to theoptical fiber stub once the glow dissipates; evaluating the continuityof the optical field fiber and the optical fiber stub once the cammechanism has been actuated; deactuating the cam mechanism in instancesin which the evaluated continuity of the optical field fiber and theoptical fiber stub is unacceptable such that the optical field fiber canbe repositioned relative to the optical fiber stub; and reactuating thecam mechanism following the repositioning of the optical field fiberrelative to the optical fiber stub.
 2. A method according to claim 1further comprising monitoring the glow emanating from an end portion ofat least one of the optical field fiber and the optical fiber stub whilethe optical field fiber is advanced into the fiber optic connector.
 3. Amethod according to claim 2 further comprising halting furtheradvancement of the optical field fiber once the glow dissipates duringsaid monitoring step.
 4. A method according to claim 1 furthercomprising cleaving and cleaning the end portion of the optical fieldfiber following deactuation of the cam mechanism.
 5. A method accordingto claim 4 further comprising repositioning the optical field fiberrelative to the optical fiber stub following said cleaving and cleaningand prior to said reactuation of the cam mechanism.
 6. A methodaccording to claim 1 further comprising repeating the evaluation of thecontinuity of the optical field fiber and the optical fiber stub, thedeactuation of the cam mechanism to permit repositioning of the opticalfield fiber relative to the optical fiber stub and the reactuation ofthe cam mechanism following the repositioning until the continuity isacceptable.
 7. A method according to claim 6 further comprising crimpingat least a portion of the fiber optic connector onto the optical fieldfiber once the continuity of the optical field fiber and the opticalfiber stub is acceptable.
 8. A method of validating continuity of aplurality of optical fibers upon which a fiber optic connector ismounted, the method comprising: providing a fiber optic connectorincluding a ferrule defining a plurality of bores extending betweenopposed front and rear faces, a plurality of optical fiber stubsdisposed within respective bores and extending beyond the rear face ofthe ferrule, and a cam mechanism; advancing a plurality of optical fieldfibers into the fiber optic connector and toward respective opticalfiber stubs such that each optical field fiber is paired with arespective optical fiber stub; introducing light into at least one ofeach pair of optical field fibers and optical fiber stubs while theoptical field fibers are advanced into the fiber optic connector suchthat a glow emanates from within the fiber optic connector for each pairof optical field fibers and optical fiber stubs; halting furtheradvancement of each optical field fiber once the glow associated withthe respective optical field fiber dissipates; and securing the positionof each optical field fiber within the fiber optic connector relative tothe respective optical fiber stub once the glow associated with eachpair of optical field fibers and optical fiber stubs is dissipated.
 9. Amethod according to claim 8 further comprising monitoring the glowassociated with each pair of optical field fibers and optical fiberstubs while the optical field fibers are advanced into the fiber opticconnector.
 10. A method according to claim 8 wherein said securingcomprises actuating a cam mechanism to secure the optical field fibersin position relative to the respective optical fiber stubs once the glowdissipates.
 11. A method according to claim 10 further comprisingevaluating the continuity of the optical field fiber and the opticalfiber stub once the cam mechanism has been actuated.
 12. A methodaccording to claim 11 further comprising: deactuating the cam mechanismif the continuity of the optical field fibers and the optical fiberstubs is unacceptable such that the optical field fibers can berepositioned relative to the respective optical fiber stubs; andreactuating the cam mechanism following the repositioning of the opticalfield fibers relative to the respective optical fiber stubs.
 13. Amethod according to claim 12 further comprising repeating the evaluationof the continuity of the optical field fibers and the optical fiberstubs, the deactuation of the cam mechanism to permit repositioning ofthe optical field fibers relative to the respective optical fiber stubsand the reactuation of the cam mechanism following the repositioninguntil the continuity is acceptable.
 14. A method according to claim 13further comprising crimping at least a portion of the fiber opticconnector onto the optical field fibers once the continuity of theoptical field fibers and the respective optical fiber stubs isacceptable.
 15. A multifiber connector comprising: a multifiber ferruleextending lengthwise between opposed front and rear faces for receivinga plurality of optical fiber stubs; splice components disposed proximatethe rear face of said multifiber ferrule for aligning a plurality ofoptical field fibers to respective ones of the plurality of opticalfiber stubs; and a cam mechanism for urging said splice componentstogether to operably interconnect the aligned optical field fibers andthe optical fiber stubs, wherein at least one of said cam mechanism andsaid splice components is translucent such that a glow emanating fromtherewithin that is indicative of a discontinuity between at least onepair of optical field fibers and optical fiber stubs is visible externalto the multifiber connector.
 16. A multifiber connector according toclaim 15 wherein said cam mechanism comprises: a sleeve in which saidsplice components are disposed, said sleeve defining a window throughwhich said splice components are exposed; and a cam member disposed uponsaid sleeve for engaging said splice components via the window definedby said sleeve, wherein movement of said cam member relative to saidsleeve urges said splice components together.
 17. A multifiber connectoraccording to claim 16 wherein said cam member is translucent.